Lawmakers Eye New Abortion Restrictions In Indiana

HB 1211 seeks to largely outlaw "dismemberment abortions."

Indiana Statehouse

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana lawmakers are once again looking at tougher rules for abortions in the state. 

The House's Public Policy Committee on Thursday heard hours of testimony a plan that would all but ban abortions in the second trimester, or after about 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Particularly, House Bill 1211 would make performing "dismemberment abortions" on a living fetus during or after the second trimester a level 5 felony, which can carry a sentence of up to six years in prison. 

Republicans said the plan is needed to avoid gruesome procedures on unborn babies, while Democrats complained that the state is stepping over the line. 

The bill does provide exceptions for situation where a second trimester abortion would prevent serious health risks to the mother or save the mother's life.

All of Indiana's abortion restrictions passed since 2013 have been scuttled by lawsuits in federal court. Opponents are promising the same with this plan if it becomes law. 

There was no vote on HB 1211 in the committee Thursday.